Not long after their collaboration on “Tornado,” FOLA and Ayra Starr reunite, but this time, the roles are reversed.
On “treat u right,” released through Dangbana Republik and EMPIRE, Ayra Starr steps into FOLA’s territory, settling comfortably into the calm, Afro-R&B atmosphere he has become known for.
There is something interesting about hearing Ayra sing along to FOLA’s chorus, almost as though she is entering his world rather than simply appearing on his record. Their vocals are both soft and restrained, allowing the three-minute song to maintain its relaxed ambience while giving the two artists enough room to complement each other.
The production of “treat u right” is another reason the collaboration works. Produced by Shallythechampion, the 2:57-minute record is built around a restrained, uncluttered sound that gives FOLA and Ayra Starr enough room to breathe. The instrumentation does not for once feel overwhelming instead, the song moves with a gentle rhythm that matches the relaxed delivery of both artists. There is a subtlety to the production that allows the vocals to remain at the centre, giving the record an intimate feel.
Interestingly, Johnny Drille is credited as one of the song’s mixing engineers, alongside Mike Seaberg. While Drille isn’t credited as a producer, his involvement is worth noting because of how naturally the record settles into the kind of calm, warm atmosphere often associated with his own musical style. It would be difficult to say that his influence directly shaped the song without confirmation from the team, but his presence in the mixing process is an interesting detail when considering why “treat u right” feels so measured and easygoing.
Beyond its mellow production, “treat u right” also finds its charm in the way FOLA and Ayra Starr approach romance with a playful sense of confidence. FOLA opens with the catchy bilingual hook, “Mo like bo ṣe move diẹ diẹ, ah eh,” immediately establishing the song’s easygoing groove. Ayra Starr comes in with her smooth, melodic vocals, bringing a more assertive but still affectionate energy to the record. Their individual parts come together smoothly, with Ayra adding her own character to a record that is primarily rooted in FOLA’s sound.
Having already worked together on “Tornado,” FOLA and Ayra Starr’s chemistry on “treat u right” is more convincing. The two artists clearly understand how to complement each other, with FOLA’s laid-back delivery fitting naturally alongside Ayra’s smooth vocals.
Their chemistry doesn’t feel forced and that is what makes the record work. “treat u right” ultimately reinforces the idea that FOLA and Ayra Starr are an unlikely but remarkably fitting pair, and their two collaborations so far suggest that there is genuine musical chemistry between them.
